Is the Dodge Charger 4 wheel drive?

The Charger is not a traditional four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is primarily rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive available only on select V6 models in some years and not on the high-performance SRT/Hellcat variants. Production for the Charger ended after the 2023 model year, so current-new stock is limited to used examples.

Drivetrain basics: RWD vs AWD in the Charger

The Charger shares the rear-wheel-drive layout that underpins most of its LX-platform siblings, prioritizing performance and handling with a rear-drive setup. All-wheel-drive arrangements appeared only on select V6 configurations in certain model years to improve traction in adverse weather. The higher-performance variants—R/T, Scat Pack, and Hellcat—have historically been offered as rear-wheel-drive in most versions, reflecting their performance-oriented design.

Key takeaways by drivetrain option:

• Most Dodge Charger models are rear-wheel drive (RWD) by default.


• All-wheel drive (AWD) has been available only on select V6-based Chargers in certain years, and not on the top-tier SRT/ Hellcat variants in those same periods.


• High-performance variants such as R/T, Scat Pack, and Hellcat are typically RWD-only due to power, packaging, and performance aims.

In practice, if you want AWD, you’ll need to verify the specific year and trim, as AWD was not a universal option across the Charger lineup and is more common on certain older V6 configurations.

How to verify AWD on a Charger

To confirm the drive configuration on a particular Charger, use these checks before purchasing or if you’re verifying a used model:

• Check the factory window sticker or the vehicle’s build sheet, which lists the drivetrain as AWD or RWD.


• Inspect the undercarriage for front-wheel-drive components such as a front differential and front driveshaft, which indicate AWD.


• Look up the VIN with a dealer or on Dodge’s Mopar databases; the drive type is encoded in the build information.


• Consult the instrument cluster or infotainment readouts for an AWD indicator if the model supports it, though this may not always be shown.

When in doubt, contact a Dodge dealer with the VIN to confirm the drivetrain configuration.

Summary

Bottom line: The Dodge Charger is primarily a rear-wheel-drive car. All-wheel drive exists only on some older V6 Chargers in certain years and is not typical of the high-performance HEMI variants. With the Charger’s production ending after the 2023 model year, prospective buyers are more likely to encounter AWD only in used models, and it’s essential to verify the exact year and trim to confirm the drivetrain.

Is a Dodge Charger 4 wheel drive?

Whether a Dodge Charger is four-wheel drive depends on the model year and trim. Some Chargers are only rear-wheel drive, while others are available with or come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). For example, many newer models offer AWD, which can often be switched to rear-wheel drive, while older models with certain V8 engines are typically only rear-wheel drive. 
This video explains how the AWD system in a Dodge Charger works: 1mMarspeedYouTube · May 1, 2021

• Newer models: All 2026 Dodge Charger models come with standard all-wheel drive, which can be manually switched to rear-wheel drive. Previous versions, like the 2023 models, offered AWD on certain trims (e.g., SXT, GT). 
• Older models: Older Chargers were often rear-wheel drive, though some specific trim levels were available with AWD. 
• Trim-specific options: In some model years, the availability of all-wheel drive was tied to specific trims like the SXT and GT, while other trims (like the SE or SRT8) were rear-wheel drive only. 
• Engine-specific options: Some V8-powered models, particularly older R/T and SRT8 trims, were rear-wheel drive only, while the V6 engines were the ones offered with AWD. 

Which Dodge is AWD?

Dodge offers all-wheel-drive (AWD) on the Charger, Durango, and Hornet models. The Challenger also has an AWD option, but it is limited to specific trims. The Journey previously offered available AWD, but is not a current model. 
You can watch this video to see a review of the Dodge Charger with a twin-turbo inline-six engine: 51sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Nov 16, 2025

• Dodge Charger: The Charger is a full-size sedan available with AWD on certain trims (SXT, GT, Scat Pack). The system can seamlessly switch between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for optimal efficiency. 
• Dodge Durango: This three-row SUV offers AWD as an option to improve traction and handling. AWD is available on various trims, including the SRT version. 
• Dodge Hornet: The compact SUV is available with AWD on its various trims. 
• Dodge Challenger: The Challenger offers an AWD system on specific models, such as the GT trim, which is equipped with an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect. 
• Dodge Journey: This model previously had an available AWD system, but is no longer in production. 

Is a Dodge Charger good in snow?

A Dodge Charger can be good in snow, especially models with all-wheel drive (AWD) and proper winter tires. While rear-wheel drive (RWD) models can manage with caution and good tires, they are inherently less capable in snow and require more care from the driver. For the best performance, choose an AWD version, equip it with dedicated winter tires, and add weight to the trunk if needed.
 
AWD models

• Excellent winter performance: AWD Chargers, like the GT and Daytona R/T, have been praised for their ability to handle snow, ice, and hills.
• Stable and controlled: The AWD system seamlessly distributes power, making the car predictable and easy to control even in deep snow.
• Great with snow tires: AWD versions are particularly capable when paired with winter tires. 

RWD models

• Manageable with caution: RWD Chargers can be driven in the snow, but they require extra caution, especially without AWD. 
• Winter tires are crucial: This is non-negotiable for RWD models. Without them, the back wheels can easily spin out. 
• Weight in the trunk: Adding weight to the trunk can improve traction, but it can also make the car more prone to overcorrection in a skid if not handled properly. 

This video demonstrates a RWD Charger in deep snow and discusses its performance: 1mMarspeedYouTube · Dec 13, 2017
Key takeaways for any Charger

• Tires are paramount: No matter the drivetrain, winter tires are the single most important factor for snow performance. 
• Drive cautiously: Avoid aggressive acceleration, braking, and sharp turns, particularly in RWD models. 
• Traction control is your friend: Ensure your traction control system is working properly. 
• Ground clearance: Some Charger models have low ground clearance, which can be an issue in very deep snow. 

You can watch this video to see the performance of a RWD Charger with good tires in snowy conditions: 52sBurnseys RTYouTube · Feb 18, 2021

What year do Dodge Chargers have AWD?

All-wheel drive was first only available on the R/T package. However, from 2009 onwards, all-wheel drive was also an option for the SE and SXT versions. The basic SE model included a 2.7 L V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission.